Remembering the New York Plane Crash Victims: Honoring Their Passion and Purpose
Six individuals tragically lost their lives while on their way to celebrate a birthday, leaving behind significant legacies in the fields of medicine, academics, and athletics.
A private plane crash in upstate New York on April 12 resulted in the deaths of a family who were en route to commemorate a birthday and the Passover holiday, along with a legacy of remarkable achievements in medicine, academics, and athletics.
Among the deceased were former MIT soccer player Karenna Groff, who was celebrating her 25th birthday, along with her parents, her boyfriend, and her brother. Groff, honored as the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year, co-founded openPPE during the COVID-19 pandemic and was enrolled in medical school at New York University.
Her boyfriend, James Santoro, worked as an investment banker. His father, John Santoro, expressed that they would be deeply missed.
“The 25 years we shared with James were the happiest years of our lives, and the joy and love he brought us will remain with us forever,” stated John Santoro.
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Groff’s brother, Jared, 26, was a former basketball player at Swarthmore College, where he scored over 1,000 points during his time as a point guard at Weston High School. His girlfriend, Alexia Couyutas Duarte, 24, who had recently been accepted into Harvard Law School, was also on board.
“They were all incredibly accomplished, yet their accomplishments were never the focus,” John Santoro noted, speaking of both couples. “They were regarded as bright lights in everyone’s lives. I feel grief for myself and my family, but I also share the sorrow of all those who have lost them.”
Maria Claudia Couyutas Duarte, Couyutas Duarte’s sister, expressed, “Her dream was to attend Harvard.”
“We’ve never met anyone who has attended Harvard. It seemed so out of reach for her, yet she achieved it,” she added.
The aircraft was piloted by Dr. Michael Groff, an esteemed neurosurgeon and skilled pilot who had recently completed additional safety training for high-performance aircraft in October, according to NTSB officials during an April 14 media briefing.
His wife, Dr. Joy Saini, a notable pelvic surgeon and the founder of Boston Pelvic Health and Wellness, was also aboard the flight.
“Michael and Joy were fantastic, loving parents and respected physicians who cherished their children,” said family friend Jonathan Becker.
(L–R) Dr. Michael Groff, Karenna Groff, Dr. Joy Saini, and James Santoro in 2024. Courtesy John Santoro via AP
At the time of the incident, weather conditions included a ceiling of 400 feet and 93 percent humidity, which the NTSB characterized as “deteriorating” and at the “absolute minimum” for an instrument flight approach landing at the airport.
Inman stated during the April 14 media briefing that the NTSB is currently investigating and has formed teams to review air traffic control records, engine components, and avionics equipment.
They anticipate completing the extraction of the wreckage by April 15 and will release a preliminary report regarding the causes of the crash within 30 days.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
From NTD News
